There comes a time when any snob must ask
himself if there really is any point in cultivating his ability to make
critical distinctions between different refined things, whether it is looking at
Picassos or tasting fancy red wines. The crisis usually arises from a nagging
realization that the pursuit of such highly refined items is ultimately
unsustainable for mankind, against entropy, and in many cases, against even
one’s own personal happiness. In other words, I’m talking about having to live
in the
What happens when there is no good wine, no good cheese, no Matisse? It hurts. A lot.
Actually. But if you can survive long enough, you may discover that the skills
you develop at the high end can actually help you to enjoy seemingly more
trivial distinctions at the lower end. And that’s good because this is where
you need it. To be able to enjoy the difference between a good frozen entrée
(Ethnic Gourmet) and a not so good one (South Beach Diet). Okay well that
doesn’t take a lot of skill. You just have to be sober. But to make such
distinctions between, say, two similar Lean Cuisine entrées. That may take a
bit of skill. Such skills may indeed lead one to question one’s sanity, or to
be more precise, it may lead others to question my sanity. But for my part, I
can assure you these very same skills can make life in the
“What about an apple?” you say. Yes, what
about an apple? The pure thing? Absolutely. If it is of high quality, then yes.
wonderful. A lot of third-worlders would be right there with you. Because they
have climate, and slowness, on their side. But here again, quality is
everything. The fruit or fish or nut by itself can bring the greatest delight
to the unspoilt heart. But make no mistake, a bad apple by itself is dreadful.
Peanut butter can mask the badness of a bad apple just like a lot of Cajun
spice can mask the flavor of old meat. A good cantaloupe is from God. A bad
cantaloupe is hopeless. Indeed, this is not an argument against the enjoyment
of pure gifts from nature. I am merely saying when you are presented with two
things which are both in some way inferior or fake or insincere, you can at
least derive a sense of enjoyment in knowing you have chosen the lesser of two
evils. You can make something, out of nothing. In the Midwest. Bring a camera.
April 2007
